The Charles Hotel
Few hotels can boast politicians, dignitaries, and celebrities among their clientele. The Charles can. The Harvard Square hotel houses jazz and martini bars, a renovated presidential suite, a multimillion-dollar art collection, and two award-winning restaurants. The J. Crew—uniformed staff is discreet and efficient, while the down comforters, lavish minibars, and Origins bath products in the rooms are simply the icing on the cake. One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA charleshotel.com.
Lisa Tung
The Peabody Essex, the Gardner, and the MFA may have all raised unprecedented funds lately, but this year tireless MassArt curator Lisa Tung proved you don't need a massive budget to turn out thought-provoking shows and a fine lecture series. Her exceptional connections around the country have enabled Tung to lure big names—and big ideas—to her modest gallery.
Jenny's Wedding Cakes
A wedding cake is more than just flour, eggs, and sugar — it's an expression of your personal style. And Amesbury baker Jenny Williamson, whose breathtaking designs are informed by 14 years of experience, can execute just about any vision. Need a gluten- and dairy-free cake with art deco flair? No problem. Want your grandmother's vintage handkerchief pattern turned into a four-tier masterpiece? Consider it done. jencakes.squarespace.com.
Alpha Omega
Getting married in today's world just isn't what it used to be—it's much better. Thank the gay community if you want, but we're also grateful for the designer bands that line the cases at Alpha Omega's flagship store. From Carelle and Art-carved to Tycoon and Simon G., the world-class selection is as epic as it is beautiful. Leave it to a jewel of a store to throw down one of the most compelling reasons to get married—right behind that whole love thing, of course. 1380 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Katrina Hess
Katrina Hess treats the face as a blank canvas and with her expert brushwork, transforms it into a work of art. Eyes become luminescent as the moon, skin shimmers like just-fallen snow, and cheeks take on a rosy hue. Best of all, Hess starts off the application with skin-smoothing massages, scrubs, and exfoliation treatments that rival those of even the best aestheticians in town. 105 Newbury St., Boston, MA katrinahess.com.
Italian Design
Outshining the competition is serious business at Italian Design, where high-wattage style emanates from futuristic floor lamps, funky ceiling fixtures, and warm, colorful bedside sconces. Everything on display is a modern work of art. Don't fret if you're unfamiliar with lighting science; the knowledgeable staff can help you with projects of all sizes. 82 Boylston St., Brookline, MA italian-design.net.
Kitchenwares by Blackstones
When Kitchen Arts closed last year, homechefs lost a good friend—a hardware-store-like shop stocked with culinary tools. Thankfully, Jennifer Hill (co-owner of Blackstone's of Beacon Hill) revived the place, enhancing it with great gift ideas for hosts and hostesses of all stripes. With a focus on locally sourced wares, she offers handmade knives by LamsonSharp and cheerful aprons by Lynne's Whim, as well as any cook's gadget you can think of. 215 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, kitchenwaresboston.com.
Serenella
Owner Leslee Shupe Korff believes in reviving the lost art of feminine dressing—tailored skirt, statement coat, and well-paired heels (always heels)—and her immaculately edited shop follows suit. The best looks from upscale labels like Narciso Rodriguez, Versace, and Bottega Veneta mingle with obscurer gems, most recently from shoemaker Joey McMakin and French dress designer Sophie Theallet. 134 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 2116, serenella.com.
Brookline Booksmith
Brookline Booksmith is dedicated to the art of browsing. This cozy store allows book lovers to curl up on the wood floor and thumb through their favorite tomes. Friendly staffers are eager to make suggestions—unlike the aloof or harried help you find in some of the superchains. Booksmith's Writer and Readers series brings the community face-to-face with authors, who've included Grace Paley, Alice Hoffman, and other literary luminaries. The store also encourages bibliophiles to get their noses out of their books and support local charities. 279 Harvard St., Brookline, MA .
The Frame Gallery
Who better to create a home for your beloved artwork than the team that’s framed masterpieces for the MFA and the Gardner Museum? For almost four decades, the Frame Gallery has been putting paintings, photographs, and even sports memorabilia in everything from shadow boxes to custom gold-leafed masterpieces that are works of art in their own right. Plus, they can give that antique Victorian frame passed down through your family for generations a little TLC, too. 357 Boylston St., Brookline, MA 02445, theframegalleryboston.com.
Boston Common Band
Hire Boston Common Band, and they’ll treat you to a private concert. Watch as the lighting crew heightens the energy in the room with orange and red fixtures, and while the sound team keeps the music playing with state-of-the-art technology—all in the name of ensuring the eight-member group can focus solely on their music. Able to belt out anything from Adele to Queen, the band can even work with hometown hero Keytar Bear—available by request for cocktail hour—to start the evening on a high note. 290 Needham St., Dedham, Massachusetts 02026, bostoncommonband.com.
Back Bay Boxing
No hybrid cardio/bags classes or fancy locker rooms here—this small Newbury Street studio is dedicated to the no-frills art of boxing. Former professional Irish boxer John Murray starts by teaching novices proper mitts technique before they move on to heavy bags, all with personal attention from the master himself. Be prepared to keep blocking and throwing punches until the final bell rings. 350 Newbury St., Boston, MA backbayboxing.com.
Kate's Table
Too busy to whip up a dazzling meal for your next dinner party? Just call Kate’s Table. An alum of some of the city’s top restaurants, chef Kate Papaleoni and her team prep dishes in small batches before artfully displaying them in a curated collection of vessels and custom display pieces. And if you want to pretend you did it all yourself, they also offer a drop-off service. katestable.com.
Joppa Flats Education Center
Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center offers wildlife educational programs designed to make nature fun—and a trip to the beach a (gentle) teaching moment. Kids and adults alike can explore marine touch tanks and art exhibits at the center, then set off on guided tours across the refuge’s 52 acres of salt marsh and mud flats, home to more than 300 species of birds, including bald eagles and snowy owls. massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/joppa-flats.
Alan Bilzerian
You're buzzed in the front door like it's a speakeasy, quickly greeted hello, and then given merciful room to roam. From Petrol-leather zip boots by Carol Christian Poell to handcrafted Italian cap-toe sneakers, Alan Bilzerian has your inner foot fetishist in mind when he curates his selection of stylish hoof art. 34 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, alanbilzerian.com.